IPOH: Twenty solar-powered LED streetlights have been installed along a 4km stretch between Jalan Changkat Petai and Tapah Prison to improve road safety and visibility at night.
The installation marks the first phase of the Tapah Parliament Beautification and Lighting Project, fully funded by Tapah MP Datuk Seri M. Saravanan.
The stretch was prioritised as it was previously poorly lit, posing potential risks to motorists travelling at night.
Saravanan said the project was part of his plan to transform Tapah into an eco-friendly Smart Rural District with safer and more modern infrastructure.
“A total of 200 solar streetlights would be installed across the constituency in stages over the next two years.
“The solar-powered lights operate independently of the main electricity grid, reducing electricity costs while lowering carbon footprints.
“Their off-grid capability also allows them to continue providing lighting during power disruptions, improving visibility for motorists and other road users,” he said in a statement Thursday (Nov 13).
Saravanan said the remaining lights will be installed at poorly lit village roads, school zones and busy community junctions, with priority locations being identified by local authorities and community committees.
The project also includes efforts to improve public spaces and road corridors through better lighting and beautification works.
“Beyond preventing traffic collisions, improved street lighting serves as a strong deterrent against crime and antisocial behavior in quieter rural stretches.
“Well lit public roads give local workers, students, and families greater confidence when commuting early in the morning or returning home after dark, directly contributing to a stronger sense of security throughout the neighborhood,” he said.
“By combining clean energy infrastructure with cleaner, more attractive streetscapes, I hope to foster greater civic pride among locals while making the town more welcoming to visitors from the region.
“Ultimately, this phased rollout demonstrates how targeted, sustainable infrastructure upgrades can bridge the development gap between rural and urban communities,” he said.
